Time for Children - Cafcass Public Law Work Report

Tuesday, 02 February 2010 09:00

Time for Children is a survey of Children’s Guardian’s work on public law cases for Cafcass.

This survey sets out the experiences of Nagalro members who undertook public law cases in the family courts for Cafcass between August and October 2009. It provides a valuable insight into the front line services that Cafcass was able to provide for children during this period.

Nagalro, the professional association for Children’s Guardians and Independent Social Workers, decided to survey its members in response to their concerns about the growing pressures on the service during 2009.  The Presidents Interim Guidance of 30 July 2009 and Cafcass’ Operating Procedures of 7 August 2009 were designed to be temporary measures taken in response to these pressures and their dual impact is captured in the survey findings.

This report provides the first detailed evidence of how the changes have affected Cafcass public law cases and the role of the Children’s Guardian which is of such vital importance in protecting children and their interests. It is hoped this report can make a constructive contribution to the review of the emergency measures and to the debate about how best to provide an effective and cost-effective service to these most vulnerable children.

Read the full  Time for Children report here